MPs question bachelor’s degree requirement for pre-primary teachers

Lawmakers have urged the Ministry of Education and Sports to reconsider the educational criteria outlined in the National Teacher Policy (NTP) for Early Child Care Education (ECCE) instructors, arguing that the stipulated requirement of a bachelor's degree is unrealistic. Members of Parliament from the Committee of Education and Sports raised this concern during a meeting with officials from the education ministry and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) on August 23, 2023. The EOC delegation was headed by its chairperson, Safia Nalule. This discussion was in response to a petition submitted by the Pre-Primary Teachers Training Institutions Association-Uganda (PPITA) to Parliament, highlighting issues surrounding access to early child care education. According to the petitioners, the insistence on a bachelor's degree poses an unfair burden on pre-primary teachers. Joseph Kikomeko, the education ministry's Commissioner of Early Childhood Education, countered by explaining that the requirement for a bachelor's degree is intended to establish a standard for the competency and qualifications expected of pre-primary teacher trainees, educators, and leaders. He added that this policy was developed after benchmarking visits to various countries in East Africa, Africa, and beyond, including Kenya, Zambia, Finland, Singapore, Canada, and Australia. "The stipulation that all educators should possess at least a Bachelor of Education degree is not unique to Uganda. The provisions in the NTP-2019 will facilitate the national and regional integration of ECCE teachers," Kikomeko asserted. He clarified that the government is actively working to support eligible ECCE certificate holders in the country to upgrade to a Diploma in Education within a span of 10 years. However, Hon. Connie Nakayenze (Indp., Mbale City Woman Representative) expressed skepticism about the necessity of having degree holders to teach children aged three to eight. She emphasized that young children learn through play, song, and activities, not solely through formal instruction. Furthermore, she pointed out that even current bachelor's degree holders in the field are not receiving salaries commensurate with their qualifications. Hon. Michael Timuzugu (NRM, Kajara County) echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the current speed of implementation is concerning, particularly given that many certificate and diploma holders in the sector are underutilized. Hon. Faith Nakut (NRM, District Woman Representative, Napak) expressed dissatisfaction with the ministry's response, implying a lack of genuine effort to address the concerns of the ECCE sector. On the other hand, Hon. Juliet Kinyamatama (Indp., District Woman Representative, Rakai) defended the requirement for a bachelor's degree, emphasizing its importance in establishing a strong foundation for a child's education. She suggested that the government should focus on improving the remuneration of these teachers to align with their qualifications.